Bringing home a puppy, should be a well planned  and  thought out process. 

Things to consider before buying a puppy

• Puppies need attention and constant supervised. Do you have the time?

• A puppy/dog is a 365 days a year responsibility . This includes vacations, holidays, etc.

• A dog is a life-term commitment (10 to 15 years on the average).

• A puppy will be a permanent part of your family.

• A puppy is a living being. It is not to be put in the backyard on a chain, to be played with only when you feel like it.

• Puppies are not always a good combinations with children . A lot of thought and planning should be done before bringing a dog into a family that has children. Children should never be left unsupervised with a dog or puppy. Do not buy a pet for a child until the child is old enough to understand about the right care for the animal and be gentle with it. A young child should not have the sole responsibility for a dog.

• A puppy is an expense. Don't buy one if you can't afford to properly care for (i.e. spay/neuter, vet care, quality food, training).

• If you do not feel you have the time for a puppy, consider adopting a rescue or adult dog.

Do not buy a puppy for the following reasons:

• You saw the puppy in a pet store and felt sorry for it .Buying a puppy from a pet store only makes the the store buy more.
• Christmas present. Puppies as presents are a BAD idea.
• You want your child to have a dog - puppies and children are so cute together.
• You saw one and you fell in love with it. That little puppy can grow up to be a giant. Do some investigating about the breed before you buy.
• Some friend had a litter of puppies and you just had to take one home with you.

Choosing a breed.

• Make a list of what breeds or characteristics you like or dislike. RESEARCH !!!
• Go to the library and check out books about dog breeds.
• Research the breeds thoroughly to make sure that you are choosing the right breed for YOU.
• Go to a dog show and talk to breeders of that breed (after they have shown )

Talk to your Vet.

• Subscribe to a e-mail mailing list for the breed
• Do a search on the world wide web
• If you can't stand dog hair in the house, or you don't have the time to brush the dog regularly, You do not want a long hair breed.
• If you live in a small apartment or have limited space, Keep away from larger breeds and breeds that require a lot of exercise, such as the Sporting, Herding, and Working breeds.
• Temperament/activity level: You should get a dog whose temperament fits into your lifestyle. Different breeds were developed for different purposes, and their temperaments reflect this.
• If you are active look for a dog that that has a higher energy level:. Sporting or Herding breeds
• If you have children, be careful to avoid dogs that tend to be high strung, that could become over excited by the high energy level of the children and hurt them
• You have a fenced yard or a secure area.. "Invisible" or underground fencing is not considered to be a viable alternative.
• The dog will be allowed to live in the house.
• You have "dog-proofed" your home. Making sure that breakable items, poisonous plants and substances, and hazards for a curious and chewing puppy (i.e. electrical cords, trash cans) are out of reach.
• You have purchased a dog crate. A crate makes house training easier. A crate gives a puppy a "safe place" to relax.
• A crate is not a child's play house and when the dog is in the crate, he is not to be bothered.

Use common sense and trust your instincts.

Take the time to find the right dog,  after all you will be together a long time!!